Split tile for attachment to a building structure

ABSTRACT

A split tile and a whole tile are for attachment to a building structure. The split tile includes a base section, a first section and a second section. The first section and the second section each extend from the base section in adjacent relationship. The first section, the second section, and the base section are substantially planar. A line is defined between the first section and the second section for providing the appearance of multiple shingle tabs on the split tile. The whole tile includes the base section and a third section extending from the base section. The base section provides the appearance of a shingle tab on the whole tile. When a plurality of the split tile and the whole tile are attached to a building structure, a staggered appearance of the shingle tile is provided.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/828,468 filed Oct. 6, 2006, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to tiles for attachment to a building structure. More specifically, the present invention relates to tiles having a non-uniform appearance.

2. Description of the Related Art

Tiled roofing is typically formed from uniform tiles for attachment to a structure in overlapping rows. The tiles have a generally rectangular shape which includes four sides. The sides of the tile include a top edge which opposes a bottom edge and a pair of opposing side edges which extend between the top and bottom edges. A corner is defined between the bottom edge and each of the side edges. Such tiled roofing presents a uniform appearance and the tiles must be aligned nearly perfect to obtain the uniform appearance, resulting in added time and labor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention, a split tile is for attachment to a building structure. The split tile comprises a base section, a first section extending from the base section. A second section extends from the base section and is disposed adjacent the first section where the base section, the first section, and the second section are substantially planar. A line is defined between the first section and the section.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a tile system for attachment to a building structure to simulate a plurality of shingle tabs. The system comprises a primary tile and a secondary tile. The primary tile includes a primary base section, a primary first section extending from the primary base section, and a primary second section extending from the primary base section, adjacent the primary first section. The primary base section, the primary first section, and the primary second section are substantially planar. A line is defined between the primary first section and the primary second section. The secondary tile includes a secondary base section, a secondary first section extending from the secondary base section. The primary first section, the primary second section, and the secondary first section are for simulating the shingle tabs. The primary tile and the secondary tile are for disposition on the building structure in adjacent relationship to simulate the appearance of multiple shingle tabs.

A third aspect of the invention provides a method of covering a building structure to simulate multiple shingle tabs using a first split tile having a base section and a first and a second section extending from the base section to simulate the shingle tabs and a second split tile having a base section and a first section extending from the base section to simulate another of the shingle tabs. The method includes the steps of attaching one of the first and the second split tiles to the building structure at a first location and attaching the other one of the first or the second split tiles to the building structure at a second location adjacent the first location to form a first row of tiles to simulate the shingle tabs.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of covering a building structure to provide a staggered appearance using a first split tile having a base section and a first and a second section extending from the base section with the first second and the second sections having differing widths and lengths, a second split tile having a base section and a first section extending from the base section, and a third split tile having a base section and a first and a second section extending from the base section with the first and second sections having differing widths and lengths. The method includes the steps of attaching one of the first, second, and third split tiles to the building structure at a first location, attaching one of the first, second, and third split tiles to the building structure at a second location adjacent the first location to form a row of tiles to simulate the shingle tabs, and attaching another one of the first, second, and third split tiles to the building structure at a third location adjacent one of the first and second locations to add to the row of tiles to simulate additional shingle tabs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a plurality of tiles forming covering of a building structure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plurality of alternative tiles forming an alternative covering of the building structure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a split tile defining a line separating a first section from a second section to simulate a pair of shingle tabs;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another split tile defining the line separating the first section from the second section to simulate the pair of shingle tabs;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a whole tile having a third section simulating a single shingle tab;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the split tile defining the line separating the first section from the second section to simulate the pair of shingle tabs; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the split tile defining the line separating the first section from the second section to simulate the pair of shingle tabs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a tile system for attachment to a building structure 12 to simulate shingle tabs 14 is shown generally at 10 in FIG. 1. The tile system includes a split tile 16 and a whole tile 18 for attachment to the building structure 12. A plurality of the split tile 16 and the whole tile 18 are attached to the building structure 12 to form roofing or siding having a staggered appearance. A plurality of the split tile 16 and the whole tile 18 are aligned along a single row 20 and attached to the building structure 12, as shown generally in FIGS. 1 and 2. Additionally, the split tile 16 and the whole tile 18 are aligned in multiple rows 20 over the previous rows 20 to cover a desired surface 22 of the building structure 12 in overlapping fashion.

The split tile 16 has a generally rectangular shape and includes a base section. A first section 26 and a second section 28 each extend from the base section 24 and the first section 26 is adjacent the second section. The base section, the first section, and the second section 28 are substantially planar or flat. It should be appreciated, however, that the tile may be warped, or curved, to a degree to aid in attaching the tile to the building structure 12 to attain a tight fit to the surface 22.

The first section 26 extends a first length 30 from the base section 24 to a first edge. The first edge 32 is disposed opposite the base section. The second section 28 extends a second length 34 from the base to a second edge 36 and the second edge 36 also is disposed opposite the base section. The first edge 32 and the second edge 36 extend in parallel directions. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first edge 32 and the second edge 36 extend in a single continuous line 62. In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first edge 32 and the second edge 36 are offset by virtue of the first length 30 being different from the second length. In this embodiment, the first edge 32 and the second edge 36 also extend in parallel with respect to one another. However, it should be appreciated that the first and second edges 36 are not limited to being parallel, but may extend in any direction with respect to one another that is desired.

The first section 26 includes a first side 38 which extends between the first edge 32 and the base section. The second section 28 includes a second side 40 which extends between the second edge 36 and the base section. The first section 26 extends a first width 42 between the first edge 32 and the line 62 and the second section 28 extends a second width 44 between the second edge 36 and the line 62. The first width 42 and the second width 44 are not equal. In one embodiment of the invention, the first width 42 is greater than the second width 44. In another embodiment, the second width 44 is greater than the first width 42. It should be appreciated that if desired, the first width 42 and the second width 44 are equal.

The base section 24 of the split tile 16 includes a base edge 46 and the base edge 46 is spaced from the first section 26 and the second section. The base edge 46 extends generally parallel to the first edge 32 and the second edge 36. However, the base edge 46 is not limited to being parallel and may extend in any desired direction. The base section 24 also includes a pair of base corners 48 which are formed on opposite sides of the base section. Each of the base corners 48 are formed between the base edge 46 and a respective one of the first edge 32 and the second edge 36. Additionally, each of the corners extends diagonally with respect to the base edge 46 and each of the first edge 32 and the second edge 36. Making the base corners 48 diagonal results in a material and weight savings for each of the split tiles 16. Forming the base corners 48 in the diagonal direction does not result in an aesthetic impact because the base section 24 is always hidden by another row 20 of the split tile 16 and the whole tile 18 or any other desired covering. It should be appreciated, however, that the base corners 48 are not limited to being diagonal and may be any desired shape.

Referring generally to FIG. 5, similar to the split tile, the whole tile 18 also includes the base section. A third section 50 extends from the base section 24 to a third edge 52. The base section 24 and the third section 50 are substantially planar. It should be appreciated, however, that the whole tile 18 is warped, or curved, to a degree to assist in attaining a tighter attachment of the tile to the building structure 12. The first side 38 extends between the third edge 52 and the base section. The second side, which is spaced from the first side, also extends between the third edge 52 and the base section. The third section 50 extends a third length 53 from the base section 24 to the third edge 52. The base section 24 of the whole tile 18 also includes the base edge 46 and the base edge 46 is spaced from the third section 50. The base edge 46 is generally parallel to the third edge 52. However, the base edge 46 of the whole tile 18 is not limited to being parallel and may extend in any desired direction. Like the split tile, the base section 24 of the whole tile 18 also includes the pair of opposing base corners 48. Each of the base corners 48 extend between the base edge 46 and a respective one of the first edge 32 and the second edge 36 and extend diagonally. The base corners 48 are further defined as extending diagonally with respect to the base edge 46 and each of the first edge 32 and the second edge 36.

Each of the split tile 16 and the whole tile 18 include one or more nailing indicia 54 to indicate the location for attaching the split tile 16 or the whole tile 18 to the building structure 12. Nails or other fasteners are used for attachment. Alternatively, others types of attachments known to those skilled in the art may also be used.

Additionally, centering indicia 56 are located on each of the split tile 16 and the whole tile 18 along the base edge 46. The centering indicia 56 is used to locate one of the split tile 16 and the whole tile 18 over two other split tile 16 and/or whole tile 18 which are already attached to the building structure 12. However, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to being used with the centering indicia 56 as other methods for locating the split tile 16 and whole tile 18 with respect to one another may also be used as known to those skilled in the art.

The split tile 16 and the whole tile 18 each include locating indicia 58 along the first side 38 and the second side 40 and also between the nailing indicia 54. The locating indicia 58 are used to place the split tile 16 or the whole tile 18 over a row 20 of the tiles. The locating indicia 58 corresponding to a desired amount of exposure of the shingle tab 14 is matched up with the base edges 46 of the tile in the existing row 20 of the tiles. Therefore, the locating indicia 58, along with the centering indicia 56 and the spacers 60, allow a user to properly locate each of the split tile 16 and whole tile 18 with respect to one another when forming the rows 20 of the tiles and when locating and placing the rows 20 of the tile over other rows 20 of the tiles.

The split tile 16 and the whole tile 18 also include at least one spacer 60 which extends from the base section, the first section, the second section, and/or the third section 50. In one embodiment, two spacers 60 extend from each of the first edge 32 and the second edge 36 of the split tile 16 and the whole tile. However, it should be appreciated that more or less of these spacers 60 may be used. As a result of temperature changes in the climate, the tiles expand and/or contract with respect to one another. Therefore, it is important to provide adequate spacing between the tiles after they are attached to the building. When the split tile 16 and the whole tile 18 are attached to the building structure 12, the spacer 60 prevents the first edge 32 and second edge 36 of the split tile 16 and whole tile 18 from coming into contact with one another, which would result in buckling or bowing of the split tile 16 and/or the whole tile.

A line 62 is defined between the first section 26 and the section on the split tile. The line 62 is for defining and emphasizing the division between the first section 26 and the second section 28 such that the first section 26 and the second section 28 resemble individual shingle tabs 14 when attached to the building structure 12. In one aspect of the invention, the line 62 is a groove 64 which is formed into the split tile. Alternatively, the line 62 is formed on the split tile 16 in other ways, such as being imprinted onto the surface 22 of the tile or is a raised line 62 which is molded or adhered to the surface 22 of the split tile 16 between the first section 26 and the second section. In other embodiments, a plurality of the lines 62 are defined between a plurality of sections to give the appearance of more than two shingle tab 14 on the split tile.

As stated above, the first section 26 and the second section 28 have different widths. Similarly, on the whole tile, the third section 50 resembles an individual tab. In one embodiment, the third section 50 has a third width 66 which is substantially equal to the total width of the first section 26 and the second section. To illustrate how the line 62 provides the appearance of multiple, different sized shingle tabs 14, assume a split tile 16 and a whole tile 18 are attached to the building structure 12 in adjacent relationship. The division of the first section 26 from the second section 28 on the split tile, along with the third section 50 of the whole tile, gives the appearance that three shingle tabs 14, each of differing widths, were individually attached to the building structure 12 when only two total tiles were actually attached.

To provide the staggered appearance, the split tile 16 and the whole tile 18 do not have to be attached to the building structure 12 along the row 20 in any particular order. For example, as described above, in one embodiment the split tile 16 have the first width 42 being greater than the second width 44 and in another embodiment the split tile 16 have the first width 42 being less than the second width 44. When the split tile 16 from these two embodiments of split tile 16 are combined with the whole tile 18 in a random order on the building structure 12 in multiple overlapping rows 20, a staggered appearance of the shingle tabs 14 is produced, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The staggered appearance is attained without any time consuming planning and without the added labor of having to attach each of smaller and larger shingle tabs 14 individually. Additionally, multiple split tile 16 and whole tile 18 can be laid out and attached to the surface 22 at the same time, saving labor costs. As an additional benefit of the random appearance that is attained, centering of one split tile 16 or whole tile 18 above two other split tile 16 and/or whole tile 18 is not as important as in other shingle or tile systems. This is because minor variations in centering that would be evident when tile all having shingle tabs 14 of the same size are used.

Additionally, as described above, the first section 26 extends the first length 30 and the second section 28 extends the second length. In one embodiment, the first length 30 and the second length 34 are equal, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In another embodiment, the first length 30 is greater than the second length, as shown in FIG. 6. In yet another embodiment, the second length 34 is greater than the first length 30, as shown in FIG. 7. The different lengths of the first section 26 with respect to the second section 28 also result in a random and staggered appearance of the shingle tabs 14 once the split tile 16 and the whole tile 18 are attached to the building structure 12, as shown in FIG. 2.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. In addition, the reference numerals in the claims are merely for convenience and are not to be read in any way as limiting. 

1. A split tile for attachment to a building structure, said split tile comprising: a base section; a first section extending from said base section; a second section extending from said base section and disposed adjacent said first section wherein said base section and said first section and said second section are substantially planar; a line defined between said first section and said section.
 2. A split tile as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first section extends a first length from said base section to a first edge with said first edge disposed opposite said base section and said second section extends a second length from said base to a second edge with said second edge disposed opposite said base section.
 3. A split tile as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first length and said second length are not equal.
 4. A split tile as set forth in claim 3 wherein said first length is greater than said second length.
 5. A split tile as set forth in claim 3 wherein said second length is greater than said first length.
 6. A split tile as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first length and said second length are equal.
 7. A split tile as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first edge and said second edge extend in parallel directions.
 8. A split tile as set forth in claim 2 wherein said line is further defined as extending between said first section and said second section from said base section to at least one of said first edge and said second edge.
 9. A split tile as set forth in claim 1 wherein said line is further defined as a groove extending into said split tile between said first section and said section.
 10. A split tile as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first section further includes a first side extending between said first edge and said base section and said second section further includes a second side extending between said second edge and said base section.
 11. A split tile as set forth in claim 10 wherein said first section extends a first width between said first edge and said line and said second section extends a second width between said second edge and said line.
 12. A split tile as set forth in claim 11 wherein said first width and said second width are not equal.
 13. A split tile as set forth in claim 11 wherein said first width is greater than said second width.
 14. A split tile as set forth in claim 11 wherein said second width is greater than said first width.
 15. A split tile as set forth in claim 2 wherein said base section includes a base edge with said base edge spaced from said first section and said second section.
 16. A split tile as set forth in claim 15 wherein said base section further includes base corners extending between said base edge and each of said first edge and said second edge.
 17. A split tile as set forth in claim 16 wherein said base corners are further defined as extending diagonally.
 18. A split tile as set forth in claim 2 wherein said base edge extends parallel to at least one of said first edge and said second edge.
 19. A split tile as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a spacer extending from at least one of said base section and said first section and said second section with said spacer, said base section, said first section, and said second section are substantially planar.
 20. A tile system for attachment to a building structure to simulate a plurality of shingle tabs, said system comprising: a primary tile including: a primary base section; a primary first section extending from said primary base section; a primary second section extending from said primary base section adjacent said primary first section wherein said primary base section, said primary first section, and said primary second section are substantially planar; a line defined between said primary first section and said primary second section, a secondary tile including: a secondary base section; a secondary first section extending from said secondary base section, and wherein said primary first section and said primary second section and said secondary first section are for simulating the shingle tabs and said primary tile and said secondary tile are for disposition on the building structure in adjacent relationship to simulate the appearance of multiple shingle tabs.
 21. A tile system as set forth in claim 20 further comprising an alternate tile including: an alternate base section; an alternate first section extending from said alternate base section; an alternate second section extending from said alternate base section adjacent said alternate first section wherein said alternate base section, said alternate first section, and said alternate second section are substantially planar; a line defined between said alternate first section and said alternate second section, wherein said alternate section is for simulating an additional shingle tab and said alternate tile is for disposition on the building structure in adjacent relationship to at least one of said primary tile and said secondary tile to simulate the appearance of multiple shingle tabs.
 22. A tile system as set forth in claim 20 wherein said secondary tile further includes a secondary second section extending from said secondary base section, wherein said secondary second section is for simulating an additional shingle tab and said secondary tile is for disposition on the building structure in adjacent relationship to said primary tile.
 23. A method of covering a building structure to simulate multiple shingle tabs using a first split tile having a base section and a first and a second section extending from the base section to simulate the shingle tabs and a second split tile having a base section and a first section extending from the base section to simulate another of the shingle tabs, said method comprising the steps of: attaching one of the first and the second split tiles to the building structure at a first location; and attaching the other one of the first or the second split tiles to the building structure at a second location adjacent the first location to form a first row of tiles to simulate the shingle tabs.
 24. A method as set forth in claim 23 further comprising the step of attaching another one of the first and second split tiles over the first and second tiles of the first row to form a second row of tiles where only the first section and second sections of the first and second tiles are exposed.
 25. A method of covering a building structure to provide a staggered appearance using a first split tile having a base section and a first and a second section extending from the base section with the first second and the second sections having differing widths and lengths, a second split tile having a base section and a first section extending from the base section, and a third split tile having a base section and a first and a second section extending from the base section with the first and second sections having differing widths and lengths, said method comprising the steps of: attaching one of the first, second, and third split tiles to the building structure at a first location; attaching one of the first, second, and third split tiles to the building structure at a second location adjacent the first location to form a row of tiles to simulate the shingle tabs; and attaching another one of the first, second, and third split tiles to the building structure at a third location adjacent one of the first and second locations to add to the row of tiles to simulate additional shingle tabs. 